November 2020 Practitioner of the month.....helen perriam

Name: Helen Perriam

Location: Bridgend, England

Certifications Through Angel's Animals: Canine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapy, Canine Craniosacral Therapy, Canine Kinesiology Taping and Animal Neuro-myofascial Release Technique

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? When I was a child.

What animal influenced you the most growing up? The early years of my childhood featured family dogs, who I adored, plus my own "imaginary" dogs (many child have imaginary friends, but I had imaginary dogs!). Once of my earliest memories is of sitting on the floor crying, with my tiny (and real!) Yorkshire terrier licking my tears, comforting me no end. Later on, following a donkey ride at a local beach, I decided I wanted horse riding lessons. Dogs and horses have been a huge part of my life since! In fact, it was one of my beloved dogs passing away young and rather suddenly that led me to the desire to do something more worthwhile and enjoyable in my work life. If felt like I was wasting time and energy in my unfulfilling day job and desired more satisfaction and, specifically, to be of value to animals. That's what led me to training in canine bodywork.

What animals do  you currently own? My own boys benefit greatly from their sessions. I have 2 Dalmatians and a Beagle who enjoy regular sessions and although not practicing with equines professionally, I use massage with my own 2 horses - a 14.2 hh Highland-type and 11.2 hh Welsh Mountain Pony. As a Reiki Master, we all enjoy energy sessions too.

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out and what message would you like to send to potential clients? In my work, I particularly love to see the benefits experienced by older dogs who become more fluid and mobile, more playful and energized, and able to enjoy everyday life with their families far more. One of my priorities is teaching clients, the pet parent, simple strategies to use between sessions to keep their dogs as comfortable as possible - the difference we can make seems almost magical.

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? I'm so glad I took the courses with Angel's Animals to become a qualified practitioner and would encourage anyone thinking of doing the same to absolutely go ahead, take the plunge and enjoy the outcomes!

EMAIL HELEN